The Oregon Air National Guard 244th Combat Communications Squadron will be re-designated as the 125th Special Tactics Squadron under Air Force Special Operations Command, the Air Force announced today.

The reorganization will transfer 98 of the 126 positions from the 244th CCS to the 125th STS. The balance of the positions will remain in the 224th CCS to fill existing manpower shortfalls across the Air National Guard. Air Force Special Operations Command will transfer the initial equipment to the 125th STS in the amount of $1.7 million.

The new 125th STS will comprise combat controller and support specialists. The unit mission is to deploy by the most feasible means available into combat and non-permissive environments. Combat controllers establish assault zones, while simultaneously providing air traffic control, fire support and command and control communications in the joint arena.

Additionally, combat controllers expertly employ all-terrain vehicles, amphibious vehicles, weapons, and demolitions. Bringing this mission to the Air National Guard is an important component of the Vanguard initiative that is keeping the ANG "Ready, Reliable, and Relevant".

First organized on July 7, 1956, members of the 244th CCS have participated in many deployments from stateside and overseas training exercises, to state emergencies, and most recently in Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The 244th CCS has been awarded with four Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards and three Air National Guard Outstanding Unit Achievement Awards.